Serpentinite rock in freshwater tank

[Sunnyspots]

Does anyone know if serpentinite rock is safe for a freshwater tank? Will it leach anything unhelpful or change the water parameters? I'm hoping to put a rock of it in with honey gouramis and peacock gudgeon gobies.

 

[PorshaF]

I heard if a rock has any reaction to a drop or two of vinegar to not place it in a tank

 

[Uberhoust]

I would be a bit cautious about it. It comes from a family of hydrated minerals, meaning they already reacted with water and essentially have water in their crystal structure. My fear would be that the rock may react in acidic tanks releasing carbonates and silicas. The rate of the reactions might be so slow that it would not matter but again they might be reactive enough that it affects the water chemistry. If you wanted to try it I would put the rock in a tank without fish and monitor the change in water pH and hardness first.

Serpentine: mineral, gem, ornamental stone, asbestos source

Serpentine is a group of minerals that are usually green in color. It is used as gemstone, architectural stone, carving material and source of asbestos. Serpentinite is a rock composed mainly of serpentine minerals.

geology.com

 

[Sunnyspots]

Thanks for replying! I had tried looking at the chemistry and saw magnesium and silicates were involved. Your idea of a test in water sounds good. I'll dechlorinate it and treat it to plenty of wide ranging testing. I'd really like it to go in my tank and be safe. It has sentimental value.

 

[Sunnyspots]

I heard if a rock has any reaction to a drop or two of vinegar to not place it in a tank

I'll give that a try too.